Forest Panel Approves Temple Land Diversion in Rajasthan; Wildlife Body Sets Guidelines on Religious Structures

The Union Ministry's forest panel approved diverting 11 acres of protected forest land in Rajasthan for renovating a temple, citing existing structures and the need for facilities during annual fairs. The Rajasthan government proposed compensatory non-forest land allocation to develop contiguous forest areas. Separately, the National Board for Wildlife's Standing Committee issued guidelines on religious structures in sanctuaries after revoking a clearance for forest land use in Gujarat's Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting concerns over precedent and unsettled land rights in protected areas.